The Best Burgers in New York City

New York is a foodie’s playground, from the chicest Manhattan steakhouses to the coziest Brooklyn hangouts. The City That Never Sleeps is open at all hours to offer top-tier burgers to seasoned locals and weary travelers alike. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the best burger spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Whether it's a traditional burger with the usual toppings or a bold, new take on what should go between the buns, NYC has a number of great burgers to choose from. Check out this list, and dig in.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated February 25, 2020

Restaurants:	CUT By Wolfgang Puck at FS Downtown New York, Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Tribeca, The Palm West Side…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Steak, Steakhouse…
Neighborhoods:	TriBeCa - Downtown, Theater District / Times Square…

CUT By Wolfgang Puck at FS Downtown New York

$$$$

Steak

TriBeCa - Downtown

4.6

780 reviews

The Financial District at the southern tip of Manhattan is home to plenty of great places to get a burger. CUT is the local Wolfgang Puck establishment that feels like a mix between a traditional steakhouse and a trendy nightclub. The USDA Prime Cheese Burger is popular but the Hardwood Grilled CUT Burger is the real standout. The jalapeno marmalade makes this burger an instant classic. CUT also has a well-stocked bar for the after-hours crowd, with a variety of signature cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Tribeca

$$$$

Steakhouse

TriBeCa - Downtown

4.6

1909 reviews

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse has been a Tribeca fixture for 40 years. Wolfgang Zwiener has emulated some of the best parts of Peter Luger, his former employer. The restaurant is decorated in rich mahogany and tiled mosaics reminiscent of old-school midtown steak houses. The Wolfgang Burger is excellent, and for those in the mood for something special, the Steak Sandwich is a real treat. The main dining room is formal, but the bar room is more relaxed for those who want to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a good burger.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Palm West Side

$$$$

Steakhouse

Theater District / Times Square

4.6

6350 reviews

The Palm West Side is located in Manhattan’s storied Theater District and is a great place to get a meal before a show. The interior channels classic New York steakhouse ambiance with dark wood paneling, rich leather chairs, and dimmed lights. Several menu selections are contenders for the best burger in NYC, including the West Side Burger (which comes with fried egg & avocado), the Classic Cheeseburger, and the Portabella Mushroom Burger. Burgers are served with gremolata seasoned shoestring potatoes that melt in crunchy, flavorful bites.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Royal 35 Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Murray Hill

4.7

1411 reviews

Royal 35 Steakhouse is located in midtown Manhattan and shines above the cluster of other high-end steakhouses. The dining room seats most guests, but past the oak wood bar is a series of leather bound banquettes that provide a view of the well-stocked wine cellar. The Royal 35 Burger is made to order and perfectly grilled. Other great bar menu sides include garlic toast and an artisanal NY cheese plate. Diners can also see the choice cuts of steak inside the large glass meat locker.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Wollensky’s Grill

$$$$

American

Midtown East

4.6

955 reviews

Wolensky’s Grill is located next door to the more formal Smith & Wolensky steakhouse and offers great food in a relaxed atmosphere. The interior is reminiscent of a high-end brewery and is open to 2 a.m. for quality late-night snacks. The Housemade Wolensky’s Burger meets the high standards that everyone expects of Smith & Wolensky and could be one of the best burgers in NYC. There is also the Filet Mignon Burger for those that want an even finer burger. Eat at the bar and sample the wide collection of gins and whiskeys.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

$$$$

Steakhouse

Greenwich Village

4.8

2011 reviews

The Knickerbocker Bar and Grill in the heart of the West Village serves up great burgers in a warm, clubby atmosphere. This is a great location for those that love live jazz, though the inside of the restaurant can get noisy. The menu emphasizes Knickerbocker’s seafood offerings, but the Knickerbocker 9-ounce House Blend Burger is a standout. Another great option is the Grilled Lamb Merguez Burger with mint ketchup. This is a great place to get a beer and burger after work with a little live music to boot.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Uncle Jack's Steakhouse - Westside 9th Avenue

$$$$

Steakhouse

Midtown West

4.6

2427 reviews

Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse in Midtown West abandons the more formal steakhouse ambiance for casual mom-and-pop décor. The colorful bar features prominently amid the tables and booths and is manned by always-attentive bartenders. Uncle Jack’s offers several great burgers to try. The Big Jack Burger comes served with maple pepper bacon and a secret sauce that is worth the trip. There is also a more upscale filet mignon sandwich served on garlic bread with Buffalini mozzarella.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Capital Grille - NY – Chrysler Center

$$$$

Steakhouse

Midtown East

4.7

4600 reviews

The Capital Grille in the Chrysler Center is one of the most visually striking restaurants on this list. The dining space is designed as a series of angled glassed panels that provide abundant lighting and sweeping views of midtown. The Capital Grille’s Signature Cheeseburger is prepared with short rib, chuck, and brisket, and served with smoked bacon and aged cheddar. That blend of quality cuts and toppings makes the view all the more memorable. The burger pairs well with signature cocktails like the Stoli Doli and the French 75.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

212 Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Midtown East

4.4

1616 reviews

212 Steakhouse on the Upper East Side is a top tier steakhouse that makes a great burger. The interior feels less like a conventional steakhouse and more like a European bistro, with a paneled ceiling and more minimalist décor. The Wagyu Cheeseburger is an elegant addition to the best burgers in NYC and pairs well with sides like the Zucchini Chips or the New Zealand Mussels. 212 Steakhouse also offers thoughtful cocktails and an excellent wine list.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Charlie Palmer Steak NYC

$$$$

American

Theater District / Times Square

4.6

4507 reviews

Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description: Welcome to Aureole, the flagship showcase for Chef Charlie Palmer's unabashed, energetic signature progressive American cooking. For 30 years, Aureole has been known for its longstanding commitment to seasonal foods and local sourcing. Aureole offers two distinct dining venues: the refined formal Dining Room and the lively, convivial Liberty Room. In the evening, tasting menus are available in the Dining Room, and a la carte and pre-theater service in the Liberty Room. For lunch, both spaces serve a three-course prix fixe as well as a la carte selections. When making a reservation please indicate in which space you would like to dine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse - New York

$$$$

Steakhouse

Midtown West

4.6

2609 reviews

Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse is located near Madison Square Garden and is an excellent choice for a good meal after a game. The more modern decor includes blond wood wall panels that bend into a wavy ceiling. There are also several private dining areas for more intimate gatherings. Two of Nick and Stef’s burgers deserve special mention. The Nick is served with applewood bacon and jack cheese for a little kick, while the Stef is savory with blue cheese crumbles and caramelized onions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ruth's Chris Steak House - New York City - Midtown

$$$$

Steakhouse

Theater District / Times Square

4.3

5514 reviews

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Midtown was built to impress. Guests walk through the well-stocked wine cellar into a dining room with a sweeping white wraparound bar. If that doesn’t capture diners’ attention, the burgers will. The Ruth’s Prime Burger is special without being pretentious and is topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The Steak Sandwich is more adventurous and is served on garlic bread with béarnaise sauce. Ruth’s Chris also serves some of the finest seafood for those that fancy surf and turf.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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